Legarda hopeful APPF to prop up PH in world affairs

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda expressed her optimism that the upcoming 31st Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) will foster a resilient, sustainable, and interconnected world to help the advancement of humanity.

Legarda, who will serve a crucial role as the head of the APPF’s drafting committee, said that the summit will serve as a springboard in discussing numerous issues hounding the participating countries.

“The APPF offers a perfect platform to delve into political, security, and socio-economic issues facing our region,” Legarda said.

“As we gear up for discussions, I am eager to strengthen regional cooperation and build lasting relationships among parliamentarians,” she added.

The four-day meeting from November 23 to 26 will gather parliamentarians from 20 of 28 participating member countries from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It will tackle sensitive issues such as political and security matters, economy, and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Also expected is the Philippines taking center stage in the global arena as it expresses its positions on various hot-button issues such as climate change and the Filipino diaspora.

Furthermore, the host country also aims to drum up support in the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea, as well as condemning China’s use of force and intimidation.

It could also establish and strengthen networks with lawmakers from other countries, especially from strategic partners of the Philippines.

Legarda is no stranger to the event, having led the Philippine delegation during the 26th APPF meeting held in Hanoi, Vietnam, where she championed the climate and disaster resilience resolution.

“I am committed to fostering collaboration for resolutions prioritizing disaster risk reduction that champions the 30×30 campaign for nature, combating human trafficking, safeguarding human rights, promoting natural resource accounting and the blue economy, and recognizing the vital link between health and the environment,” remarked Legarda.

“We hope to show our remarkable hospitality and parliamentary skills to our visitors to show that the Philippines is not any pushover when it comes to dealing with world affairs.”

The event was last hosted by the Philippines in 1994, under the presidency of the late Fidel V. Ramos. (end)